Akali Dal leading in Punjab by-polls

Chandigarh, Feb 16 (IANS) The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal was leading in the first two rounds of counting of the Khadoor Sahib assembly by-election in Punjab on Tuesday, election officials announced here.

After the second round, Akali Dal candidate Ravinder Singh Brahmpura was leading over six other candidates in the counting of votes which began at 8.00 a.m.

Brahmpura was leading by nearly 8,500 votes.

The opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had opted out of the by-election.

The polls were held on February 13 amidst a boycott of the election by Congress and AAP, making it a one-sided contest for the Akali Dal.